Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine

While most people tolerate oxcarbazepine well, side effects may occur during treatment with the medicine. Side effects of oxcarbazepine can include headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Other oxcarbazepine side effects, while less common, are more serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. These more serious side effects can include worsening of seizures, signs of an allergic reaction, and hallucinations.

 

An Introduction to Oxcarbazepine Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate oxcarbazepine quite well. When side effects do occur, they are mostly minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with oxcarbazepine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of oxcarbazepine side effects with you.)
 

Common Oxcarbazepine Side Effects

Oxcarbazepine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of oxcarbazepine included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 31 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- up to 28 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 22 percent
  • Fatigue -- up to 21 percent
  • Drowsiness -- up to 19 percent
  • Vomiting -- up to 15 percent
  • Vision problems -- up to 14 percent.
     
Other common side effects (occurring in 5 percent to 7 percent of people) included:
 
(Side Effects of Oxcarbazepine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;